18/06/2023
The olive of highlife
A gifted guitarist, prolific composer and highlife musician, Oliver De Coque was truly a symbol of creativity, peace, charity and friendship
Sylvester Asoya
His giant statue with his trademark guitar stands tall in the heart of Ezinifite, a town in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. But Oliver Sunday Akanite, aka Oliver De Coque is also a telling example of genuine love and popularity among members of his community and fans. In Anambra State, two communities bear Ezinifite. One is in Aguata Local Government Area while the other, where Oliver De Coque hailed from, is now closely associated with the musician for distinguishing purposes. Usually, the recurring question is: are you going to Ezinifite in Aguata or Oliver De Coqueβs Ezinifite?
For a first time visitor to his home town, this fame and reverence begin from Abanato Market Square in Ezinifite where Oliverβs imposing statue stands. Finally, this engaging highlife musician was unveiled by Gaius, one of his younger brothers who speaks about his brotherβs mystical birth, his extraordinary life, their supernatural mother, the creativity that runs in the family and a fertile musical career that recorded over 72 works.
According to Gaius, when Oliver De Coque was born, he was nicknamed Sunday Oyibo because of his white European features like his complexion and curly hair.
Like most children in the community, he attended Ezinifite Central Primary School before proceeding to a commercial school known then as Eastern Academy in Aba, Abia State. However, he dropped out after a few years due to his poor family background even though he had a promising academic future ahead of him. Shortly after leaving Eastern Academy, he went straight into selling shoes at Ekeoma Market in Aba. From there, he learnt guitar and branched out when the urge to develop and showcase his skills as a musician became unbearable.
Coming from a creative family where imagination thrives, Oliver De
